10 Long Island Lobster Roll Havens

Whether chilled with mayo or warm with drawn butter, the lobster roll is the Poseidon of seafood, the king of shellfish. When done right, the summertime staple cuts as tender as the most expensive filet mignon. In search of the best lobster rolls on the Island, I turned to you. Your answers came from East and West, each making my stomach growl a little louder. These are the 10 places that pull locals and city dwellers out of their shells each summer.

Chemical, preservative and additive-free, the lobster meat at Claws is never subpar. Visitors can choose between five different rolls that boast an assortment of flavors. The roddy roll is all about bacon, the naked eliminates the mayo, the firehouse ignites the blaze with jalapeños and the double is just like the original except with ¾ lb of lobster meat. Phone: 631-256-5900 | Address: 20 Montauk HwyClick to taste

Jordan Lobster Farms, Island Park

image: jordan lobster farms

More than 50 years in the business teaches people a thing or two about seafood. The Maine lobster roll, served with mayo on a toasted roll, rides with the joint’s New England vibes. The French fries and pickle ride with diners’ cheat-day vibes. Phone: 516-889-3314 | Address: 1 Pettit PlClick to taste

The atmosphere is nautical, the surf n’ turf menu inviting and the lobster rolls are lauded for being out of this world. Word to the wise: Come hungry. This roll made with poached lobster, dill mayo, lettuce and tomato is filling, but diners won’t want to leave any bit uneaten. Phone: 631-803-6067 | Address: 19 Bellport LnClick to taste

Venture off Main Street in Greenport for lobster rolls that rely more on freshness than frills. Grab a spot on the outdoor deck, listen to live tunes and indulge in hot or cold variations of the unofficial sandwich of summer (or both). Phone: 631-477-8300 | Address: 2530 Manhanset AveClick to taste

Lazy Lobster, East Rockaway

Lazy Lobster encourages patrons to “eat, drink and get lazy.” And that isn’t hard in a casual setting overlooking the water with fun lobster roll variations like the rock made with applewood smoked bacon and roma tomatoes or the Connecticut lobster roll served with tarragon butter. Phone: 516-837-8484 | Address: 10 Front St Click to taste

At this dockside joint, a wait for an outdoor table is well worth it, especially when generous sized lobster rolls are the prize. Phone: 631-589-0888 | Address: 130 Atlantic Ave Click to taste

PJ Lobster House, Port Jefferson

The popular seafood market and restaurant has been a neighborhood staple for more than 20 years, and for good reason. The lobster rolls are made with a 1/2 lb of lobster salad that mixes fresh celery and Hellmann’s mayonnaise. It is then served on a toasted New England style hot dog roll with French fries and coleslaw. Phone: 631-473-1143 | Address: 1 N Country Rd Click to taste